What is a Water Pressure Reducing Valve?
A water pressure reducing valve (PRV), or pressure regulator, is a valve that automatically reduces the flow of water to a certain pressure. Plumbers use PRVs to bring high-pressure water supply lines or tanks to safe and/or usable pressures.
WHY IS THE WATER PRESSURE SO HIGH?
To ensure practical, safe working water pressures, municipal and private water supply companies in and around Monroe Georgia use pumps and pumping stations to boost water supply pressures in supply mains. In addition, high rise buildings require higher water pressure to overcome loss of pressure as the elevation increases. High water pressure is necessary to maintain water supply in water towers and supply tanks.
WHAT DOES A PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE DO?
Pressure in Monroe Georgia and surrounding areas water supply mains can exceed 200psi. The Uniform Plumbing Code requires a pressure reducing valve on all plumbing systems where pressure exceeds 80 psi. Higher pressures could rupture pipes or damage fixtures and appliances. Irrigation systems may also require a PRV if pressures exceed 70 psi, to prevent damage of the piping system.
PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES & WATER CONSERVATION
High water pressures waste water. Municipalities in Monroe Georgia and surrounding Georgia Communities charge homeowners and businesses high rates for water consumption; but there is also a charge in most locations for the disposal of wastewater. Reducing water consumption reduces the energy required for heating additional hot water, as well. Note the cost reductions using a PRV can achieve:
Twice as much water flows through a system at 150psi pressure than at 50psi. This additional water is not needed for most applications, and is a 100% increase in water cost.
When less water flows through the system, less energy is needed to heat domestic hot water. A pressure reducing valve can save as much as 30% on domestic water heating costs.
When a municipal wastewater treatment load is reduced, benefits are seen in both the environment and your water bill, since municipalities typically base sewer usage fees on the water meter reading.
So it is important that your plumbing company understand the local water system where your home or office is located. You should have your system inspected by a licensed and trained plumber like the ones at Local Plumbing And Sewer. They can inspect existing pressure reducing valves for wear or maintenance issues or install new ones when connecting new service or changing out your properties water main or connection to the municipal water supply.
